The unbeaten: New England Patriots

Three victories do not a season make, but a handful of NFL teams have started the 2007 season undefeated and taken a big step toward the playoffs. The select group includes preseason favorites Indianapolis and New England, mild surprises in Pittsburgh and Dallas, and a bigger surprise in Green Bay. Times staff writer David Wharton takes a look at one of this fall’s fast starters.

The man

What else can you say about a quarterback with a 141.8 rating and a league-best 10 touchdown passes with only one interception? Sacked only three times this season, Brady has been patient in the pocket and, last week against the Buffalo Bills, completed passes to eight receivers. It helps that he has a strong running game with Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris et al., combining for 151.7 yards a game, fourth-best in the NFL. And one more thing: He has Randy Moss.

X factor

Moss has grabbed the headlines with 403 yards receiving and five touchdowns, which rank him second, and tied for first, respectively, among NFL receivers. But another acquisition at receiver has boosted the Patriots. Wes Welker, the former Miami Dolphin, has 20 catches and serves as a reliable possession receiver to balance Moss’ deep threat. He also returns punts.

Defense

As if the offense weren’t intimidating enough, New England boasts the league’s best defense, giving up 207 yards per game. The Patriots have been especially tough on opposing quarterbacks with 10 sacks, with linebacker Mike Vrabel and end Jarvis Green leading the onslaught.

Outlook

The schedule has been relatively easy and the only thing that has threatened to slow the Patriots has been “Spygate.” But even after the coaches were caught videotaping defensive signals on the opposing sideline, sparking penalties from the league, New England trounced Buffalo, 38-7. Though tougher games loom ahead -- Dallas, Indianapolis and Pittsburgh -- for now the Patriots are playing a cut above.

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david.wharton@latimes.com